I am an arthouse (film) girl; so naturally when the opportunity arose to attend ‘Show Me Shorts’ Film Festival at Capitol Cinema (previously Charlie Greys), I went. I enjoyed the short films very much. This Neo-Greek building is slightly dated; however still beautiful. The wine list is better than I expected, not bad for $9. The foyer was filling up with people by the minute; the atmosphere was friendly and eclectic, all demographics in the audience. Doors open, everyone scurried for their seats: grand and deliciously comfortable with ample leg room.

The screening ‘Listen Up’ has a run time of 79 minutes and we’re told in the programme “These short films have tales to tell from the margins of society.” Can’t wait; I love great storytelling. The music video “Cry If You Want To” by Mulholland (NZ) was definitely an ‘intergalactic’ experience with visual intoxication. “The Last 40 Miles” by Alex Hannaford was an animated American film, featuring ‘Ronald’ who was on death row, who travelled with two prison guards to the execution chamber. He reminisced about the ‘what ifs’ while in transit. Extremely gut-wrenching and captivating, based on a true story. “The Phone Call” by Mat Kirkby was a conversation between a helpline call centre woman called Heather, and the man on the other end of the phone, gave a fake name: Stanley (Jim Broadbent). I felt what ‘Heather’ felt: desperate to know what was wrong and why he was unhappy. This UK film was dramatically complex when their truth fuelled friendship; for the duration of the phone call. Isn’t it amazing how strangers can turn your life upside down? I hung on every word and hoped for a good outcome – brilliant film. “In The Rubbish Bin” by Riwia Brown was another animated NZ film, about a child called Pippa who spent her birthday with her teddy bear, Chubby. Pippa ended up in a rubbish bin to shelter from the rain. This NZ film is an intense roller coaster of emotions in 4 minutes. “Box Of Sound” is an American music documentary by Chuck Przybyl who creates music from his environment and circuit benders reinvent cigar boxes into synthesisers. Incredibly fascinating, with a touch of pizzaz. “Toilets” by Gabriel Bisset-Smith is a UK film about three characters who continually meet up in loo’s over a period of time. Two women, and one male who party, experiment with drugs, sex, friendship and support each other through life lessons: Comical, light-hearted and human. “Sounds Perfect” by Allan George is a NZ mockumentary about the adult film industry. Dave is the audio enhancement engineer who is extremely creative when recording ‘sex’ sounds. Highly entertaining, with much hilarity from the audience. Last up “Condom” by Sheldon Lieberman is an Australian film about a 6yr old boy who finds a used condom and wants answers from his Dad. Absolutely laugh-out-loud. I think all parents will embrace this footage and smile. What a successful screening: insightful, dramatic, hilarious and brave.